How to Spot Mother’s Day Shopping Scams This Year

Mother’s Day is one of the busiest shopping periods of the year, and this season is expected to set a new record for spending. According to recent reports, consumers will spend more than ever on gifts, flowers, and experiences. That surge in activity also draws scammers who know people are searching for deals and last-minute ideas.

If you’re planning to buy gifts online, it’s worth taking a few minutes to understand the scams that become more common around this time. A little awareness can save you money, stress, and the disappointment of a gift that never arrives.

What’s happening

Scammers are using several familiar tactics, but with a Mother’s Day twist. Fake websites impersonate popular retailers, offering discounts on perfumes, jewelry, or spa packages. Phishing emails pretending to be from delivery services or gift companies ask you to “confirm your order” or “track a package” – and the link leads to a site that steals your login or payment details.

Gift card fraud is also on the rise. Scammers may call or email claiming there’s a problem with a gift card purchase and ask for the card number and PIN. Once they have that information, the balance is gone.

Counterfeit goods are another concern. Social media ads for luxury handbags or electronics at unrealistically low prices often lead to knockoffs that never arrive, or arrive as poor-quality fakes. Because many of these ads come from unverified sellers, your payment information may also be compromised.

Why it matters

The stakes are higher when spending reaches record levels. More money flowing through online transactions means more opportunities for fraud. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has warned that shoppers lose millions each year to gift card and phishing scams alone. During the Mother’s Day window, the volume of emails, ads, and pop‑ups increases dramatically, making it easier to let your guard down.

Losing money to a scam is frustrating, but so is the embarrassment of sending a gift that turns out to be counterfeit or never shows up. Many of these scams are designed to look legitimate – they use logos, real-looking URLs, and even pretend to be customer service from well‑known brands.

What readers can do

You don’t need to avoid online shopping entirely. A few simple precautions will significantly reduce your risk.

Shop from known retailers. If you see an unfamiliar website, search for reviews before entering any payment information. Stick to stores you trust, or use major marketplaces with buyer protection policies. Be especially careful with ads on social media – they are not vetted.

Check the URL. Fraudulent sites often use addresses that look like the real thing but with a small misspelling or a different domain (.shop instead of .com). Hover over any link before clicking, and look for “https” and a padlock icon in the address bar.

Never pay with gift cards. Legitimate businesses do not ask for payment in the form of gift cards, especially from sellers you don’t know. If someone requests a gift card number and PIN as payment, stop communication immediately. This is a near‑sure sign of a scam.

Avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails. If you receive a message about a delivery, a discount, or a change to an order, go directly to the company’s website by typing the address yourself. Do not use the link provided in the email.

Use a credit card. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards or bank transfers. If something goes wrong, you can dispute the charge with your card issuer. Many credit card companies also monitor for suspicious activity.

Be skeptical of deals that seem too good. An 80% discount on a new smartphone is almost certainly a scam. Compare prices across trustworthy sites, and remember that scammers prey on urgency and emotion.

What to do if you fall for a scam

If you realize you’ve been scammed, act quickly.

  • Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to report the fraudulent transaction and request a chargeback.
  • Change passwords for any accounts you used (email, shopping, banking). Enable two‑factor authentication where available.
  • Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) if the scam involved a significant loss.

Sources

  • WREX. “Watch for Mother’s Day shopping scams amid record spending.” Published May 7, 2026.
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Consumer advice on gift card scams and online shopping safety.

Mother’s Day should be about appreciating the people you love – not dealing with fraud. A little caution when you shop online will help keep it that way.